Veeyapuram Chundan Secures Opening Victory in CBL 5, Upsetting Pallathuruthy
Alappuzha: In the inaugural race of the fifth season of the Champions Boat League (CBL 5), Veeyapuram Chundan achieved a significant victory by overthrowing the reigning champions. Veeyapuram edged out Meelpadam Chundan of Pallathuruthy Boat Club by a mere 28 microseconds. This victory, a continuation of their success in the Nehru Trophy, earned them 10 points and a crucial lead in the league.
The final race commenced on Friday evening at 5 PM from the starting point in front of the Kochupanakkal Temple. The snake boats, propelled with immense enthusiasm, rowed towards Mundackal Bridge, located one kilometer away, cheered on by the enthusiastic crowd of Kainakary. Initially, Veeyapuram took the lead, but Meelpadam overtook them midway through the race. In the final lap, Meelpadam surged ahead, electrifying the Kainakary spectators. However, the oarsmen of Veeyapuram Chundan displayed an astonishing performance in the last moments, surpassing Meelpadam to clinch the victory.
Veeyapuram Chundan finished the race in 3 minutes and 33.34 seconds, with Meelpadam Chundan (3:33.62) finishing a close second. Niranam Chundan (3:41.68) secured third place, followed by Nadubhagam Chundan (3:39.41) in fourth, and Naduvile Paramban (3:40.08) in fifth. Paippadan (3:55.46) came in sixth, Cheruthana Chundan (3:58.03) in seventh, Karichal (3:58.24) in eighth, and Champakulam (4:20.70) in ninth place.
The snake boat races are organized on the lines of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to generate excitement among boat race enthusiasts.
The three-month-long competition will conclude on December 6 with the Kollam Presidents Trophy. A total prize money of 5.63 crore rupees will be awarded to the victorious teams.